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SECTION 100 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

LIHEAP MANUAL JANUARY 2022 3

**THIS MANUAL SERVES AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE CONTRACT 100 BACKGROUND The Energy Assistance Program was created by Title XXVI Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (P.L. 97-35), as amended by Title VI of the Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-558) Title V of the Human Services reauthorization Act 1986. Funds provided for this program will be used to assist low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs. 101.1 REQUIREMENT The purpose of the Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is to provide appropriate and timely financial assistance to: • Low income eligible households • Provide long-term, low-cost residential weatherization assistance • Energy crisis assistance to households experiencing heating or cooling emergencies that are life- threatening • Cooperate with private groups in the development, implementation, and administration of home energy assistance • Agencies must make available access to a copy of this manual to employees working with the program

101.2 BASIC CONSIDERATION • Provide benefits to the eligible low income households targeting elderly and homebound households. • Provide emergency energy assistance benefits to low income households "at risk of harm" for energy related emergencies. • Provide low-cost weatherization home improvements to low income households. • Obtain the participation of the State's major home energy suppliers. • Provide information and referrals to Energy Assistance Program recipients to help them access resources related to energy. • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance on behalf of and to households which meet three requirements:

1. Have a total gross income at or below 60% of the State Median Income Guidelines for Georgia. 2. Are responsible for paying the cost of energy for the household or can verify an energy burden. 3. Are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant.